Government condemns death of Kilimani domestic worker, calls for swift justice
Kavayo reportedly died following harassment and abuse by her employers while performing her duties in Kilimani, Nairobi.
The government has condemned the death of a domestic worker in Kilimani, calling for immediate investigations to ensure that those responsible for the tragic incident are held accountable.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said it is working closely with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to guarantee that justice is served for 55-year-old Zeituni Kavayo.
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Kavayo reportedly died following harassment and abuse by her employers while performing her duties in Kilimani, Nairobi.
Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua expressed deep sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Kavayo, terming the incident unlawful and unacceptable.
“This is a heartbreaking incident that is reflective of a persisting culture of discrimination, exploitation and violation of the rights of low-ranking workers in our society. It deprives them of their human dignity and is both unlawful and unacceptable and must come to an end,” he said.
Mutua reiterated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kavayo’s death are ongoing.
“The Ministry is working closely with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out, and that justice is served without delay,” he added.
He assured Kenyans, particularly domestic workers, that their safety and rights remain a priority.
“In line with Kenya’s commitment to Decent Work for All, the Ministry will intensify awareness and enforcement of laws to protect domestic workers. All employers, including those who employ domestic workers, are reminded of their legal and moral duty to treat all workers with fairness and respect. Domestic workers must be afforded the same protections as all other workers, including recourse to justice in cases of abuse,” he said.
The CS also noted that the government is at an advanced stage of finalising instruments for ratification of ILO Conventions No. 189 and 190, which will strengthen protections for domestic workers in Kenya.
“The tragic loss of Ms Zeituni must not be in vain. It calls on all of us, the Government, employers, workers and society at large, to renew our commitment to building workplaces free from abuse, harassment and violence,” he added.
A disturbing video circulating online shows Kavayo’s final moments. It depicts a man in a white T-shirt holding onto Kavayo, dressed in a blue dress with red and black spots, as she hangs from a balcony.
Seconds later, he lets go, and she is seen clinging to a lower balcony before eventually falling. A postmortem later confirmed that she died from multiple organ injuries consistent with a high fall.
The incident has sparked outrage in Kibera, where Kavayo lived, with family members, neighbours and colleagues staging protests demanding justice.
Five suspects from a Sudanese family have been arrested and are being held at Kilimani Police Station. They had employed Kavayo for laundry work at their Mpunga Road residence before accusing her of stealing Sh5,000 from a pair of trousers.
Court documents indicate the household’s son called Kavayo back after she had left, accusing her of theft. Their lawyer told the court that she fell while attempting to escape being reported to the police.
However, Kavayo’s family rejects the account, insisting she was killed.
“She had already left work but was called back, only to end up dead. When I collected her belongings at the DCI office, I only found Sh160 in her purse, slippers, a dress and a rubber. There was nothing else,” her daughter Faith said.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The case returns to court on October 1, with Kavayo’s family vowing to pursue justice until those responsible are held accountable.
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